Category: Art

If you are reading this, please give me a like because I feel like blogging is like talking to myself hoping someone hears me. Hence I dont blog very often but for special occasions, I get inspired. This time I am inspired because its that time of year again where I forced myself to do my taxes and was again amazed at my progress in this self-employment game. Its been 3 years since I left the comfort of my salary. And while I want to quit, I am happy to say I did better than I had guessed. And for all of those that are afraid to take the leap, Im here to tell you the rewards are worth the work! One of the best things about working for myself is being able to open the door for my son when he gets off the bus after school. Flying my daughter to Florida for college, and employing my 1st born to take pictures at her school so that she can afford her new apartment. I feel so blessed! And it does not happen everyday, but 2 weeks in a row is a success for me.

I love photography. So much so that I left a great company to pursue the idea that I could make other people happy and get paid for it on a full-time basis. But what I love more than photography is the opportunity to provide for my children, and to employ them. Its a special kind of feeling. I challenge you to try it sometime. I did it today and I am proud to be able to not only hire my own, but mentor and showcase other young people to provide income for themselves.

Speaking of which, if you see me working with a young person on a job, please treat them like the professional I am teaching them to be. Part of the mission of Abyrdseyephoto Productions is to train young people to work for themselves. To cultivate their talents and enhance their skills they read and attend school for. I believe in our youth, and plan to do whatever I can to instill confidence in them through entrepreneurship.

I feel like I am rambling so I will stop now but I want to end by saying THANK. YOU. Thank you to every person who took a chance on me. Everyone who hired me to capture their memories, hard work, perseverance, determination, and beauty. Without you I would not be in year six still amazed that I can make a living by capturing light, feelings, and movement, with natural hair! Many days I think how much easier it would be to apply for a job, go back to serving students in higher education, utilize these 3 degrees I worked so long for. But every time I imaging leaving this life, I feel sad. Then someone calls out of the blue and offers me a just in time assignment. One that not only pays well, but reminds me that capturing the moment, in a professional and authentic manner for my community is my Joy! And I do not think I can give that up just yet. Even when I do I will continue to teach, employ, and capture. Because God gave me this gift for a purpose. And I plan to thank Him, and you by providing the world with my gift as often as I can.

Thank you. Here’s one of my favorite images from this past summer.

Toledo Botanical Gardens Engagement Portraits

2018 BGSU Graduation Masters Students

OH State Rep Paula Hicks-Hudson

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When I started my career in Administration 20 years ago in Toledo, Ohio, many of my coworkers enjoyed making scrapbooks. Do you remember scrapbooking parties? Well as a single mom, I did not have the funds or the extra time to participate in said parties. However, I did stumble upon digital scrapbooking fairly early in the game, and they quickly became my gift of choice, as I have ALWAYS loved capturing memories, both for my family, friends, and while traveling.

I gave out so many prints and books from Snapfish, MyPublisher, Mixbook, and Shutterfly, I became a pro at it, and people started to expect photo gifts from me for special occasions. This led me to upgrade my camera at least once a year, sometimes more. Fast forward to 2012, when my little sister (I am the oldest :)) was a senior in high school. I wanted to make sure I had great images for her senior year, including at the graduation commencement and at her “coming out” Cotillion ball.

I purchased my first DSLR camera the day of her ball, and that is how my professional photography career started. Over the years, I have made over 100 of these types of story books. I prefer hard cover books, and 8×11 seems to be my favorite sized book, except for wedding books, I love the 10×10 album. I have searched high and low for other companies that I can customize as much as Shutterfly, but I have not found one yet!

Having said that, I offer this type of book with almost every photography package. Photo books help tell the story of the clients life at that time, and the books are fun, easy to transport, and affordable. Traditional photo albums run hundreds to thousands of dollars more than the books that I offer, without the creativity added to the way the images are placed on a page. Take a look at my latest senior book of Adrianna that I just ordered:

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This summer I offered a Wednesday special, to give families a chance to get some portrait sessions in during the week. I loved the locations we chose, along with shooting at the golden hour, I dont get to do that so much in Ohio. Native Toledoans that see my work tell me they love seeing the different parts of Toledo , and this session with the Quinn Family reminds me of the hashtags #itmatterswhereyoumakeit and our #youwilldobetterintoledo.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is one of my favorite hidden gems in our city, and I believe the Quinn Family session captured some of outside of the museums coolest parts. Take a look:

Here is a link to the whole gallery. If you are in need of family portraits, please consider Abyrdseyephoto. Not in Toledo? We travel outside of the city as well, as a part of our full-service photography experience.

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Boudoir photography is hard to explain. For me, its like glamour photography for everyday women. Your 15 minutes of fame as a model. A boost of self confidence, that no matter your profession, age, size, or fierceness, you are fabulous, and picture worthy-with the right outfit, posing, and lighting.

Has never posed for a camera beyond family, school or vacation photos.

Has never posed in front of a camera in anything but being fully clothed.

Has never posed in front of a camera in intimate apparel.

Is generally a bit nervous to utterly frightened of posing in intimate apparel on camera, let alone “looking sexy”.

Spends some or no time on their physique because they don’t pose in front of cameras for a living.

Are mostly in their late 20’s or older.

So you see this isn’t something that you book with a photographer, just for your birthday. Its often a life changing event, that many women bring tears with them to the reveal session. It takes time, and effort on all parties to make it “work”. Hair, skin, and makeup preparation is essential to the overall look. Check out this article from 1985: Real Playmates

Most of our boudoir sessions are held in the clients home, or at our studio. We make sure you are relaxed before we start, and offer suggestions during the pre-consultation to assist with wardrobe choices. We also have clothing items and props to help create the look you want. Women book sessions equally for themselves, and for significant others. Our boudoir albums make great gifts for weddings (grooms), Valentine’s Day, and private birthday gifts. The session also makes a great gift for oneself! Birthdays, milestone celebrations, or for any reason at all, they make women feel good about themselves.